Schools could get break on park shelter fees

Cheryl Wade

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, November 4, 2004

School groups could get a break from proposed fees for shelters at Midland city parks.

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday sent the list of fees to the city council. The fees are for park reservations, and they would not be refunded. But, to accommodate school groups, daytime reservations for Mondays through Fridays will be free of charge. In addition, each group that donated a shelter would be entitled to one free use of its shelter each year.

The city would charge $20 for Emerson A1 and E; Plymouth B2, B3, A South and A North; Barstow Woods, Stratford Woods and Chippewassee. Emerson D would cost $40, and renting the entire Plymouth A shelter would cost $50. The $50 fee was set on purpose so people wouldnt rent the whole shelter if they only needed half of it, said Public Services Director Marty McGuire.

Unsheltered areas would cost $10; adding a canopy $20. Delivering picnic tables would cost $20 for as many as 10, with $3 each for more tables if available.

Money from the shelter rentals would go to a parks improvement fund that could pay for playground equipment, restroom improvements or other uses, McGuire said. Kathy McCormick, who represents the Midland Artists Guild, said her group supports the fees to rent Plymouth shelter A for the fall art fair. But shed like to see bathrooms refurbished with the money.

"Its an OK facility but its certainly not a charming facility," she said, showing pictures of graffiti, a missing soap dispenser and an old-style paper towel holder. Artists have given the park high marks, but not the bathrooms, she said.

Doug Hand, who lives on Valorie Lane, said hed be happy to pay a little more in property tax to replace playground equipment rather than paying the fees. He noted that, since the beginning of Midlands park system, shelters have been made available without charge. He asked that organizations such as his Midland Horse Shoe Club, which work with the city on recreational services, be exempt from the fees.

Commission member John Rothhaar pushed for exempting school groups, saying free use of shelters would encourage these groups to use city parks. The commission had discussed exempting non-profits from the fees, but one member said that would put a bigger burden on taxpayers.

Reporter Cheryl Wade may be reached at cwade@mdn.net or (989) 839-4272.